Growing Thyme

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When Growing Thyme you should ensure that the soil is well drained and not too rich in nutrients and preferably positioned in a sheltered site with full sun light. As it is a hardy perennial plant it will survive the winter and will last for approximately 3 to 4 years.

As thyme seeds are so fine they only need to be covered with a little compost and then placed in a warm spot.  The seedlings emerge in approximately one week. When the plants are about 10cm high take them outside for a few days to harden off, do not leave out overnight if there is a risk of frost. They can then be transplanted to their final growing position. Thyme can spread up to 30cm, so it needs to be planted this distance apart as a minimum. Some varieties can also grow to 30 cm high.

If you already have a thyme plant that is about 3 years old it is easy to divide the roots. This should be done in April. The plant needs to be dug up and have as much of the soil removed as possible, and then gently tear the plant into 3 or 4 pieces, you need to ensure that each piece has both root and foliage. Once you have divided the plants simply put the new pieces into the ground and leave them to grow. You can begin harvesting from them in approximately 3 months, June time.

Thyme only needs to be watered in very dry conditions; however, a mulching of organic matter in October will help give protection from severe frosts. Thyme plants become woody after about 3 years, at which time it should be divided, as above, and replanted.

You can harvest thyme all year but the flavor is best during mid June to mid July. You can even harvest when in flower as the flowers are edible. As the plant stops growing during the winter you need to be careful not to harvest too much at any one time.

Growing Thyme in a container is easy, as the plants need very little attention, bar keeping the compost moist and giving a fortnightly feed with liquid plant food from April to August. Some people grow thyme between cracks in paving or use it as a lawn as it is evergreen. When trodden upon it releases its aromatic fragrance which is truly delightful.